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L'Eveil Wakes Up Malians to Knowing Their HIV Status
On December 21, PSI/Mali opened the doors to L'Eveil, the first
voluntary counseling and testing center (VCT) in all of West Africa,
in downtown Bamako. L'Eveil ("awaken") will provide VCT services to
Malians in and around Bamako.
Although HIV prevalence rate in Mali is much lower than in most African
countries (1.7%), it is estimated that 30 people are newly infected
every day. L'Eveil will be offering important services in a country
where more than 90% of those who are infected are unaware of their positive
status.
For the small sum of 500 CFAs (about 69 cents) Malians can now receive
anonymous counseling regarding their sexual behaviors, correct condom
use, and a risk reduction plan, and be tested to determine their HIV
status. L'Eveil will be open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4
p.m. and Saturdays 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Financed by USAID, and in collaboration with the National AIDS Control
Program, l'INRSP, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
L'Eveil will target youth, commercial sex workers, truck drivers, and
migrant workers. Through peer educators, mobile video unit presentations,
and mass communication, PSI/Mali will raise awareness of the importance
of knowing one's sero status and adopting safer sexual behaviors.
More than 15 officials from the American Embassy, USAID, Ministry of
Health (MOH), and national NGOs were given a guided tour of the new
center by L'Eveil staff. All were impressed with the knowledge of the
staff, the décor and friendliness of the center, and the possibilities
that VCT offer in Mali. The other 100 invitees had the opportunity to
watch a video describing the procedures of the center, staff roles and
responsibilities, and a short introduction to VCT.
After speeches by U.S. Ambassador Ranneberger, MOH representative Dr.
Mamadou Dravé, and PSI Country Representative Rodio Diallo, attendees
enjoyed refreshments, light snacks, and kora playing by Toumany Diabate.
The opening received coverage by the national television and radio,
L'Essor, Bamako's local newspaper, and other local press.
—Allison Meserve |
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US Ambassador, Michael E. Rannenberger (left) and L’Eveil
VCT Site Manager, Abdourahmane Coulibaly, discuss the
success of PSI/Mali's VCT launch.
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